On World Press Freedom Day, I thank all who help Block Club Chicago and other independent news outlets fight the growing headwinds facing the news industry. The world needs more journalists. You can support Block Club with a tax-deductible donation here ...

blockclubchicago.org/world-press-fr…

Chicago's Other Little Italy: Northwest Side Italian Hub Could Finally Get Official Recognition
Molly DeVore & I spent a few hours on Harlem this week to learn the local history & about their decades-long effort to revitalize the community. Block Club Chicago
blockclubchicago.org/2024/05/03/chi…

Humboldt Park is one of the most crash-heavy neighborhoods in Chicago. The city plans to narrow Division Street from California to Grand to make room for bus islands, concrete bike barriers and pedestrian crossings. CDOT meeting recap below ⬇️
blockclubchicago.org/2024/05/02/how…

Friday Morning Swim Club organizers said they were asked to write a $108,000 check to permit the event — and instead moved to cancel.

“We can’t legally host organized swims ... But the lake is our favorite part of Chicago, and we promise we will continue to enjoy it safely.'

My team & CDOT held a joint community meeting discussing the Division Street Improvements in order to Incorporate community feedback in our decision making.

📖 If you’re interested in learning more about this project your can go here: bit.ly/3ycAMYQ

Collaboraction Theatre, a veteran arts company that works primarily w/ Black and Brown storytellers, is taking over the former For Dog’s Sake pet shop inside the Kimball Arts Center. The space is getting remodeled and the theater should open in October!
blockclubchicago.org/2024/05/02/col…

Nice: Former SBC freelancer Ariel Parrella reports for Block Club that protected bike lanes and bus islands are planned for a dangerous 1-mile stretch of Division Streets between California and Grand avenues.
blockclubchicago.org/2024/05/02/how…

Fewer homes are for sale, interest rates have doubled in the past two years and housing prices are now at an all-time high.

The past year has been “a historically bad time to buy a house.”
blockclubchicago.org/2024/05/01/a-h…

May 1 means water fountains are finally on again! That, and the beauty of Humboldt Park is extra shiny tonight.

🧵🧵🧵 For those of you who don't already know, Opportunities of the Week has been acquired by (the new) Study Hall. Obviously, I have many thoughts on this transition and the state of journalism and I'd love for you to read them. (1/TK)

#SomePersonalNews : I am now Block Club's news editor. I couldn't be more excited to work more closely with my colleagues and help shape our coverage.

Thanks to all who followed my Far North Side coverage. And sorry that my humongous and pasty face has clogged your timeline.

Yay, let's go, Madison!!!!

There is a push to end the CTA as we know it --

Manny Ramos on the Block Club Chicago podcast:

tinyurl.com/435f8y7z

Love this so much! 💜💜💜Adriana Cardona M

wbez.org/stories/migran…

The dilapidated Logan Square building that was formerly the Fellowship House of Chicago, an assisted living facility for people struggling w/ mental illness, is under new ownership. At least 7 apartments are planned for the building but details are TBD. blockclubchicago.org/2024/04/30/log…

My latest is an explainer on the Hindu god Hanuman for Teen Vogue, who plays a key role in Monkey Man teenvogue.com/story/who-is-h…

NOW: Dozens have set up tents on the Quad at DePaul University as the latest of the nationwide campus encampment protests for Gaza. They've set forth a list of demands for DePaul, attached.
More to come via Block Club Chicago

Does anyone have a favorite ice cream shop here in town? Know of one that's opened in the last year? I'm working on Block Club Chicago's annual Chicago ice cream shop roundup and would love to add some new ones!

Parents have been calling for the firing of MLA's principal for months, saying she & other admin are responsible for a myriad of issues at the school.

Now she's leaving — but instead of firing her, CPS promoted her.

Ariel Parrella Block Club Chicago

blockclubchicago.org/2024/04/25/mar…